Finding your identity and accepting that it’s the real, right version of you can be difficult, but Xanth found a way to do both of those things. 

In June of 2020, while sitting in their room, freshman Xanth Oden realized their true gender was non-binary and because of that discovery, they also went in search of a new relevant name. 

“I went to a professional therapist and I just did a bunch of research on myself because for some reason the non-binary identity really registered with me,” Xanth said. “It was gender-neutral and I liked it.”

It was an unexpected moment for Xanth when they found out they were non-binary. 

“It was sort of “Oh okay” sort of thing. Like when you solve a math problem,” Xanth said. “And it wasn’t the answer you were expecting, but you’re alright with it nonetheless.” 

Following their discovery of being non-binary, they also went in search of a new relevant name.

“I went on a random noun generator and I got the noun Xanthophyll and that’s basically a chemical that turns leaves yellow in the fall,” Xanth said. “I liked it a lot cause yellows my favorite color and I shortened it to Xanth to have like a little nickname and that’s how I got my name.”

Xanth chose their name and it has an important meaning to who they are.  

“It means I accept myself fully,” Xanth said. “Because I picked it out for myself because of my new non-binary identity.”

Coming out to their parents was a very bold action and it took a while for their family to accept this new change. 

“When I came out to my mom, she wasn’t supportive,” Xanth said. “Probably because she just didn’t understand it, but she really tried and that meant a lot to me.”

Xanth’s mom Kacy Oden talks about how she supported Xanth through this change. Kacy explains how even though she didn’t always know how to help Xanth she still tried to support them. 

“We supported Xanth wholeheartedly. Names are important and we understand they wanted to change their name so they would be more in line with how they feel, inside and outside,” Mrs. Oden said. “It took some time and we don’t always get it right, but they know we care and are trying. Sometimes it is the little things. Like getting a new Christmas stocking with Xanth on it. 

Xanth’s mom talks about how after researching it was a bit easier to understand this new change. 

“We did some research and talked to their counselor as well,” Xanth’s mom, said. “ Xanth is still the same smart, funny, kind person they have always been and always will be. As parents, we want to support our child in their journey. Because at the end of the day it is their journey, not ours.”